With state revenues improving, state legislators and the Governor are discussing providing additional funds for some programs. Senator Brubaker has urged restoration of $6 million in budget funds for Industry Partnership training. The Governor has expressed support for increasing funding, but Senators and Representatives must receive substantial and vocal support for funding IPs. Our voice needs to be loud and clear. Please take a moment to send a customized letter or e-mail to your senators and ask him/her to support additional funding for IPs.

On Wednesday, May 10, the Senate's Finance Committee approved, with only one dissenting vote, SB 1460, Senator Mike Brubaker's Industry Partnership Tax Credit legislation. The legislation would provide a tax credit to businesses who financially support Industry Partnerships.

Industry Partnerships bring together businesses in a similar industry sector to address specific skill needs and develop training programs which meet those needs. Industry Partnerships include thousands of businesses across the Commonwealth that have successfully trained over 100,000 workers for jobs in demand.

SB 1460 will now be placed on the Senate's Voting Calendar and can be voted upon pending the approval of the Republican Senate Leadership. We need your help in convincing Senators to move this legislation and pass it on to the House of Representatives. Please send an email or letter of support for SB 1460 to your senator.

As we focus our efforts to obtain additional funding for IP Training Activities in the General Fund, we must also continue to advocate for a long-term solution and dedicated funding for Industry Partnerships. Thank you for your continued support and dedicated effort on behalf of IPs.